TMJ / Jaw Pain
TMJ physical therapy treats the jaw joint and the muscles that run it, along with the neck and posture that strain them. If your jaw hurts, clicks or locks, a physical therapist will test how it moves and build a plan around what we find. We see jaw pain at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
What TMJ and TMD mean
People say TMJ when they mean TMD, and the difference is simple.
The joint
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. You have one on each side, just in front of your ears.
The disorder
TMD means temporomandibular disorder, a problem with the joint or the jaw muscles used for chewing. You may also hear it called a TMJ disorder.
Signs
Jaw pain or facial soreness, jaw clicking or jaw popping, a jaw locking or feeling stuck (some people call it lockjaw), pain when chewing, jaw pain when chewing or speaking, stiffness, pressure around the ear, and headaches or neck pain.
Noise without pain
Jaw sounds with no pain are common and may not need treatment. An evaluation matters most when pain or limited movement affects your life.
Why jaws start to hurt
TMD often has more than one cause. Teeth grinding during sleep and clenching jaw during the day put repeated pressure on the joint. Stress, poor posture and a stiff neck add strain, and symptoms can begin after a dental procedure, a car accident or a blow to the face.
A dentist should check your teeth, bite and oral health when needed, and some people use a night guard. We work with that care, not against it: your dentist looks at the teeth and bite, and we look at how your jaw, neck and posture move.
What TMJ physical therapy involves
The visit starts with a one-on-one exam. Your therapist checks:
- How far and how evenly your mouth opens
- Jaw and neck movement
- Tenderness in the jaw muscles
- Head, neck and shoulder posture
- Habits that raise muscle tension, like clenching and chewing on one side
How we treat jaw pain
Hands-on care
Manual therapy for the jaw and neck to ease tight muscles and stiff joints.
Exercise and control
Gentle jaw mobility exercises, neck and postural strengthening, and relaxation and muscle control training.
Habits and a home plan
Education on jaw position and daily habits, plus a home program. Dry needling or neuromuscular re-education may be added when appropriate, always adjusted to your comfort.
TMJ questions
Should I see a dentist or a physical therapist?
Both may help. A dentist checks your teeth, bite and oral health. A physical therapist assesses jaw and neck movement, muscle function and posture. Treatment can involve a dentist, physician or another provider too, and we will recommend added evaluation when needed.
Can physical therapy help TMJ pain?
It may help when TMD involves tight jaw muscles, joint stiffness, posture or movement problems. Your evaluation shows whether it is a suitable option for you.
What can I do when my jaw hurts?
Do not force your mouth open. Softer foods, heat or cold and gentle exercises may help, depending on your condition, and your therapist can tell you which to use. Headaches from the neck and jaw are covered on Headaches & Migraines, and the neck on Neck Pain.
Get medical care right away if
- Jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or left-arm pain
- Your jaw is locked and you cannot open or close it
Texas allows direct access to physical therapy, so in many cases you do not need a referral to start. Call us and we can help verify your insurance requirements before your first visit. Most insurance coverage is accepted.
Related care
Jaw pain care in El Paso, Texas
Call or request an appointment at our Edgemere or Physicians clinic and tell us how your jaw feels when you chew, yawn or sleep.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.